Positive Creativity Podcast Elyssa Nicole Trust, Lauren Schaffel

Chelsea is a writer, director, and actor living in Los Angeles. She has made 8 short films and web series with screenings at over 100 film festivals worldwide. She is one of 8 fellows chosen for the Inaugural Blumhouse and K Period Media Horror Screamwriting Fellowship, formally supported by Sundance. There, she is developing her feature film WOMEN IN JEOPARDY. As an actor Chelsea can be seen on TV in THE MINDY PROJECT, CRIMINAL MINDS, CASTLE and THE JINX.

We loved chatting with Chelsea about her recent artist dates and ways to stay inspired as an artist within the ups and downs. It was also amazing to hear about her journey from being only an actor to such an impressive multi hyphenate- actor, writer, director, and filmmaker. We appreciated her honesty opening up about the effects of the strike on her career and ways she has pivoted in this time to stay creative and focused on her own projects. Chelsea has so many insights for beginning filmmakers, she is truly collaborative, smart, and generous and we know you’ll enjoy listening to this conversation.

Caytha Jentis is a writer, director, and producer. Her film/tv credits include And Then Came Love, The Other F Word, Bad Parents, and Pooling to Paradise. Her stories challenge the old tropes of motherhood with heightened reality humor.

In this conversation, we chatted about Caytha’s play called Sex Work, Sex Play which will have its off broadway world premiere at the TADA Theatre on September 13th. We also talked about the inspiration for the piece and the idea of de-stigmatizing sex work. We also loved hearing Caytha’s story of how she became an an independent filmmaker and its challenges. She has some great advice for artists including “you’e a producer until someone takes that job away from you- you have to do the hustle.” We know you’ll be inspired hearing Caytha’s stories and insights.

John Frank Levey is the 4 time Emmy Award-Winning Casting Director of iconic television shows ER and The West Wing. He has also cast China Beach,  Southland, Animal Kingdom and Shameless during a nearly 40 year career. He is the author of Right For The Role, a professional memoir. He is also a director in the theatre. John has had such a prolific career in casting and directing, and we loved hearing his story, insights, and experiences. It was especially cool to hear about his new book Right for the Role, which chronicles his personal and professional career. As a heads up, we had some technical difficulties in this episode. We thank you in advance for your understanding and hope you enjoy the episode!

Emily Nash is a proud SAG-AFTRA and AEA actor, singer, writer, and producer living in Los Angeles. Her debut proof of concept short film Judy-ism premiered this summer at the Oscar-qualifying LA Shorts International Film Festival and will screen next at the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival. 

We loved speaking with Emily, and appreciated her joyful nature and positive outlook. She’s an incredibly talented actor, writer, and producer, and we really enjoyed hearing her unique story. Her bravery and ambition in moving across the country and creating her film, Judy-Ism was also super inspiring. It was so cool to hear about that project, and to have a greater conversation about Jewish stories and representation. Emily’s genuineness is so refreshing, and we are certain you will enjoy this episode. Happy listening!

Christina Shea-Wright is an acting coach, actor, director, writer, podcast host, producer, and gluten free baker. She lives in New York City with her husband and 2 perfect cats. Christina is a true multi-hyphenate, and we loved hearing her journey into these different roles, which allow her to explore all parts of her artistry. It was especially exciting to hear about her passion for coaching and being a cheerleader for her clients and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who believe in you. We also loved what she had to say about how to bring more humanity to the process of being an artist, especially in this challenging time of actors and writers being on strike. It’s clear that collaboration with other artists is essential to Christina and we know you’ll be inspired listening to her stories and perspectives.

Rebecca is a writer, actor, story doula and culture worker skilled in the Blewish arts. She creates and facilitates as a Black, Jewish, Swazi, American woman. She holds a BA from Mills College in creative writing, and an MFA from NYU's graduate acting program. Her monologues, psalms, essays, comedy, poetry, and plays have been featured in Lilith Magazine, Hadassah Magazine, Hillel International, Reboot, as well as other theaters, educational centers, and Jewish arts and culture spaces. Most recently she performed in the world premiere of “Love All,” written by Anna Deavere Smith at La Jolla Playhouse and in “At the Wedding” at Lincoln Center’s LCT3.

We loved chatting with Rebecca and hearing her story of becoming an actor. From new play projects to a novel to documentary theatre pieces to teaching creative writing to participating several fellowships, she has SO many impressive, meaningful projects going on and makes it look so easy. We talked about doing work that is in alignment with Rebecca’s values and her integrity, and how her identity as a Black and Jewish woman informs her artistry.  It was especially fun to talk about her character work in the form of an orange. Rebecca is warm, engaging and inspiring, and we are certain you will enjoy this episode. Happy listening!